Clara's Arrival

This photo was taken just before heading to the hospital at 2:23am (see clock) October 16th.....NINE DAYS before Clara was born. We had a 'test run' as my doctor called it, false labor. My contractions that entire night had been close together but not too painful, so I was a little doubtful. We ended up losing a night of sleep and being sent home from the hospital to wait and wait and wait!

At 41 weeks, we were beginning to think we'd have to induce if we wanted to meet Clara...we would have had to decide on Tuesday, the 26th, but didn't have to because the morning of the 25th I woke up with signs that Clara was most likely coming on her own! That Monday my mom came to pick James and myself up and we walked and shopped at three different stores. I still wasn't having consistent contractions but had a hunch that things were in the works!

During James' nap, I was watching a show on our computer when my water broke, at 3:15pm! Since my water never broke with James, this was such a different experience! I'll spare the details. After multiple phone calls (it was fun to get to call Mark at work and share the news, and have him hop in the car ASAP) and having my mom over to pick up James, we were packed in the car and headed to the hospital 45 minutes later. (With just two minor hiccups; our garage door spring broke AND our car battery had died and needed to be jumped....seriously, what timing!?!)
Thankfully my contractions didn't begin to pick up and really hurt til the car ride there, around 4:15pm. Since my water had already broken, I was immediately admitted this time, although still barely dilated at 1.5cm.

The next several hours were a blur. Contractions picked up and I progressed quickly, from 2 to 6cm in just an hour and a half. I had planned on getting up to walk after they had monitored Clara for a while, but by the time I had the go-ahead, I was in too much pain to do so. After an epidural at 7:15, I was dilated 7cm and 100% effaced. Just an hour later they had me start pushing and Clara was born at 9:24pm. 8lbs, 10.5ounces. 20 inches long.

Such a healthy little girl!

We had more visitors than I could count our second night in the hospital, with most of Mark's family making the trip to meet Clara. We felt so loved and supported! Above is our 4 generation photo, just like we took with James after he was born.

Speaking of James, he's had the biggest adjustment of all, I'd say. He's had some 'off' behavior, but loves Clara. He tries to share snacks and his sippy cup with her, likes to push her in the swing (a little too hard!), loves to kiss her (which is why, I'm sure, she has a cold already), and poke at her eyes. I'm learning to be patient with him as he learns how to treat her! Overall, we've felt so blessed with how smoothly things are going, though.

Dressing little girls is so much fun! I know everybody says it, but it's true! I feel like changing her whole outfit every diaper change, just for the fun of it (but usually don't ...Mark would think I'm crazy!).

Tiny, tiny feet.

Clara's one-week photo. In her first week, we had many visitors, attended church and a Halloween party with our Community Group. So much to look forward to!! We love little Clara Marie!